As the season wound down, Jrue Holiday took some time to reflect.
There were so many ups and downs in a roller coaster season for the Sixers.
Holiday earned his first All-Star berth and assumed a leadership role at the same time. He elevated his game higher than ever and literally carried the Sixers for much of the season. But he also watched his team struggle as center Andrew Bynum never was able to suit up because of lingering knee problems.
Coach Doug Collins eventually resigned after his third season.
Still, the ever-improving 22-year-old Holiday chose to look at the future in a positive way.
“I’m a humble person and I was raised that way,” Holiday said recently. “I think it’s important to be that way. I don’t get cocky ever. Am I a confident player? Of course. It’s all in how you carry yourself. We had some tough things happen to us this season, things you can’t control like injuries. How do you handle it all?
“I tried to maintain a good demeanor and come ready to play every day. If you’re not humble and down to earth, you’ll get humbled. I believe that. I know the future is bright for me and for the Sixers. There are decisions to be made. I look at every step as an experience and I’m a much more experienced player than when I first came into the league.”
Jrue Holiday was one of the lone bright spots for the Sixers in a disappointing season.
The Sixers have a plethora of roster decisions to make.
While new President/GM Sam Hinkie tweaks the roster, Holiday will be working out in California and preparing for next season.
He’ll also be busy off the court as he will marry longtime girlfriend, Lauren Cheney, a standout soccer player for the U.S. Women’s National Team. The ceremony is scheduled for July.
“She’s a great player and I don’t know how she does it with all that running and the training that goes into it,” Holiday said. “It’s going to be a great, great day and I’ll get to enjoy it with my family and friends.”
When it’s time for the 2013-14 season, there will be a new coach and a number of new players alongside Holiday.
“Every team in the league will alter their roster, even the one team that wins the championship,” Holiday said. “This organization is committed to winning and I’m committed to being here helping to get them to where they want to go in the long run.”
